Gerald Jay Mercer

Gerald “Jerry” Jay Mercer, 76, of Emporia, KS, passed away Saturday, May 6th, 2023, in Topeka, KS at Stormont-Vail Health.

Jerry was born in Emporia, KS on April 30, 1947, to parents, Orville and Lila (Richard) Mercer. He grew up in Emporia where he attended school, graduating from Emporia High School with the class of 1965. After graduating, Jerry went on to work for Black Top Construction in Emporia, where he worked on projects that included I-35, I-70, and parts of the Kansas Turn Pike. After being on the construction crew that worked to build the plant, Jerry got on at IBP where he became a supervisor for processing. His career with IBP took him to Idaho, where he helped start a new plant, and then on to Pasco, WA where he was Plant Manager at an existing facility. Jerry also worked for a time in sales for Chrysler and Payless car dealerships, and retired after working at ABZ Valve in Madison, KS.

Jerry was married to Eva Louise Bailey, with whom he had two sons, Jay and Jeff Mercer. He was united in marriage to Marsha K. Cox on September 13, 1974, and the family of 4 became 5 with their daughter Bobbi.

Jerry was very passionate about fundraising for the American Diabetes Association. He won several top fundraiser awards and was extremely proud of the work he did for them. He loved to work on cars, attending school in Kansas City to learn how to professionally paint them. He especially liked Fords and classic cars, but he appreciated just about every vehicle he could work on. He also loved to ride his motorcycles, despite being in his first major accident while he was on one. His favorite music was country, and he also enjoyed playing his guitar. His greatest love, however, was reserved for his family, especially his grandkids.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Orville and Lila Mercer; and two brothers, Orville Mercer and Donald Mercer.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marsha Mercer of Emporia, KS; one daughter, Bobbi Burk (Jeremy); his sons, Jay Mercer (Michelle) and Jeff Mercer (Janet); sisters, Barbara Finuf (Larry), Linda Wilson (Tom), and Wanda Stair (Chuck); brother Clarence Mercer (Janice); 5 grandchildren, Chase, McKayla, Jordan, and Jerod Mercer, and Bryden Burk; and one great-grandchild, Madden Mercer.

Funeral services will be held for Jerry on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the First Christian Church, 316 W Main St, Madison, KS. Visitation will be held from 9-10 AM prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be given to the American Diabetes Association, to honor Jerry’s life-long fundraising for the organization. Memorials may be sent c/o VanArsdale Funeral Home, PO Box 488, Madison, KS 66860.